Italian lords and ladies
Arum italicum
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Pl. 71CE — Arum italicum
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IOverview
Overview
Italian lords and ladies (Arum italicum) are a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, and Yugoslavia. This plant is distinguished by its distinctive spadix and spathe structure, which resembles the hooded headgear from which it gets its common name. The root of Italian lords and ladies is edible and can be prepared by drying before consumption. It thrives in various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay), with a preference for dry to moist conditions and a pH range of 6.5–7. This plant is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9 and can grow up to 0.4 meters tall. Italian lords and ladies can be found in a range of habitats, from gardens to natural settings, and are known for their ornamental value. While not medicinal, they are valued for their culinary use and are often cultivated for their distinctive appearance.
Quick answers
What is Italian lords and ladies?
Italian lords and ladies (Arum italicum) are a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Europe, including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain,
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Italian lords and ladies, or Arum italicum, thrive in moist to dry conditions and prefer light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. They are hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 5-9. For best results, plant in partial shade to full sun. Propagate via division in spring or fall. The edible root can be harvested, but ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid rot. Soil pH should be maintained between 6.5 and 7 for optimal growth.
Light
5/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.4 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is November
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Italian lords and ladies for the first time
8steps
Start with Italian lords and ladies by planting them in a well-prepared soil, as they are easy to grow for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Arum italicum seeds or small plants, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is cool but not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds 2-3 cm deep and about 15 cm apart. Transplant small plants in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize once a year in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage after flowering to maintain the plant's appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and neglecting to mulch are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Italian lords and ladies (Arum italicum) is edible. Typically, it is prepared by drying before consumption.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
39 native · 11 introduced
Distribution
39 native · 11 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 39 native· 11 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (21)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (4)AustriaBelgiumDenmarkNetherlands
Asia2 regions
native (2)IraqTurkey
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Kriti, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New York, New Zealand North, North Carolina
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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